Bombulie Speculates on Malkin

[Mad City Mike]

In his daily blog

As for Evgeni Malkin, some published reports lately have indicated that the momentum is building for him to sign with the Penguins before next season. Could that signing come in, say, a week, in time for some spring training in the AHL? Don't hold your breath. But I know the WBS front office sure wouldn't mind picking him up at JFK when his flight lands.

Sorry, Jonathan, but this ain't going to happen. Not without a transfer agreement in place.

[ExPatriatePen]

Interesting thought.

If a transfer agreement was imminent, and the Russians thought it would be less lucrative than an 'open market' deal, while the Pens thought an open market deal might be more lucrative than some form of 'scaled' transfer agreement.

If those planets and stars lined up just that way... it *might* be possible.

[Mad City Mike]

Interesting thought.

If a transfer agreement was imminent, and the Russians thought it would be less lucrative than an 'open market' deal, while the Pens thought an open market deal might be more lucrative than some form of 'scaled' transfer agreement.

If those planets and stars lined up just that way... it *might* be possible.

Yeah, but you're forgetting that the the NHL has apparently prohibited teams from signing Russian players until there is an agreement.

[Gaucho]

I say let him play in the World Championships.

[Mad City Mike]

I say let him play in the World Championships.

Well, if I had my druthers, I'd rather he play in the AHL and get a taste of North American hockey. He already played in the Olympics, so what's thee to gain for him by playing in the WCs?

But it is all mindless speculation, as he will play in the WCs and not in WBS.

[ExPatriatePen]

Interesting thought.

If a transfer agreement was imminent, and the Russians thought it would be less lucrative than an 'open market' deal, while the Pens thought an open market deal might be more lucrative than some form of 'scaled' transfer agreement.

If those planets and stars lined up just that way... it *might* be possible.

Yeah, but you're forgetting that the the NHL has apparently prohibited teams from signing Russian players until there is an agreement.

Makes sense. Thanks MCM

[Admin]

His latest update says, "A percentage chance that Malkin plays in the Calder Cup playoffs this season? I'll say somewhere in the neighborhood of zero."